Deb's Lake Conroe Real Estate & Stuff! http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/
Lake Conroe Real Estate and Homes are Selling Fast! Contact Deb Brooks for your personal tour.en-ushttp://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/387633/what-s-hot-about-our-spot---huntsville-texas-real-estate---What's HOT about our SPOT? Huntsville Texas Real Estate...<p>You've probably heard that <strong><em><u>EVEYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS</u></em></strong>! With certain things they are just not kidding! </p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/0/3/3/ar120353984533012.jpg" vspace="3" border="2" height="231" hspace="3" align="left" width="300"></p><p> <a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" title="Texas Real Estate and Lake Livingston" target="_blank">Contact Debra A Brooks, Brooks Prime Properties</a></p><p><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" title="Texas Real Estate and Lake Livingston" target="_blank"> For ALL your Huntsville TX Real Estate needs! </a></p><p><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" title="Texas Real Estate and Lake Livingston" target="_blank"> Office: 936-295-0005 </a></p><p> <strong><em><u>Click on BPP to view local Properties!</u></em></strong> </p><p><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/8/9/0/ar120356634009889.jpg" vspace="7" height="127" hspace="7" align="right" width="200"></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>More Articles/Texas</strong></p><p><strong>BELOW...</strong></p><p><a href="http://what's%20hot%20about%20our%20spot/?%20Huntsville%20Texas..." target="_blank">What's HOT about our SPOT? Huntsville, Texas...</a></p><p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/387979/Dive-into-the-Blue" rel="bookmark">Dive into the Blue Lagoon...What's hot about our spot? </a></p><p><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" title="Texas Real Estate and Lake Livingston" target="_blank"></a></p><p>I live in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piney_Woods" target="_blank">Great Piney Woods </a>of Texas. Huntsville is in Walker County and is 35,078+ people proud. Another 17,000 students at Sam Houston State University fill our streets at any given time! My mother moved me to Huntsville when I was all of 12 years old. I was an Indiana girl brought to the country. It was a culture shock at the time but now I'm all Texas! I spent many years out and about in this old world but this little town called me back. I am proud to call Huntsville Texas my home!</p><p>If you are thinking of Relocating, Retiring, or just need to slow down the pace, Huntsville is the place to be! Real Estate in town and on Lake Livingston is still affordable and available. Retire here and you will be close to major shopping without having to battle the traffic of larger cities. Move your family here and enjoy Top Notch schools, and an extremely low crime rate. </p><p>We are blessed with the historical tales of <a href="http://www.lone-star.net/mall/texasinfo/shouston.htm" target="_blank">Sam Houston</a> himself and offer a terrific Museum with artifacts and his original homestead filled with authentic relics. Our town square is quaint with gorgeous architecture and historic buildings. Antiquing is one of my favorite past times while walking the square. </p><p><strong><em><u>The feeling of Pride is everywhere. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Houston_State_University" target="_blank">Sam Houston State University</a> brings culture and talent to our city.</u></em></strong></p><p><strong>Sam Houston Statue-EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS!</strong></p><p><strong><em><u>It's the world's tallest statue </u></em></strong>of an American hero Huntsville, Texas. Native David Adickes turned 60,000 pounds of concrete and steel into a towering 70-foot statue of General Sam Houston. Mounted atop a 10-foot, granite-sheathed base, the statue is visible for more than <strong><em><u>six miles</u></em></strong>. Information on the city, attractions, accommodations, and events may be obtained at the adjacent visitor center. Exhibits of Huntsville attractions are located in the center, as well as a gift shop. 1-45 south of town.</p><p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/8/9/7/ar120362284979806.jpg" vspace="7" height="327" hspace="7" align="right" width="243"><strong>Sam Houston Memorial Museum Complex-</strong></p><p>On 15 original acres belonging to Gen. Houston. Eight buildings: two period furnished homes of Houston, including "Steamboat House"; law office, kitchen, blacksmith shop and gazebo replicas, Site of Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival in April.</p><p><strong>Museum exhibits</strong> General's personal effects and items belonging to Santa Anna when captured at San Jacinto; 19th-Century pioneer items. Exhibitliall/gift shop. Romantic park with benches, small picnic area and colorful pond fed by Houston's original spring. open Tues. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. At 1836 Sam Houston Ave.</p><p><strong>Cost of living/Housing <br></strong>Almost 60% of homes, including apartments, in Huntsville are rentals; this is slightly higher than the average for the rest of the state of Texas. Average rents for Huntsville apartments are relatively affordable with most rents ranging from $300- $550 per month and the median rent at $515. Huntsville is a safe place to live with <strong>overall crime rates ranking significantly lower than the US crime index. </strong></p><p><strong>Job Market/Employment</strong><br>The most common industries in <strong>Huntsville</strong> are public administration, educational services, accommodation and food services, health care and construction. Some people work close to their home as a majority of people commute to larger cities. Travel times range from between 5 to 19 minutes. </p><p><strong>Demographics/Neighboring Towns</strong><br><strong>Huntsville </strong>is relatively young town with a median resident age of 28.3 and household income around $29,400. If you are a single woman, <strong>Huntsville</strong>is for you; approximately 60% of the population is male and 40% female. There are a lot of students in Huntsville due to the number of colleges and universities in and around the area. These include Sam Houston State University, Sebring Career Schools and Huntsville Memorial Hospital School of Vocational Nursing. Neighboring towns New Waverly, Riverside, Oakhurst, Trinity, Point Blank and Glendale, to name a few. </p><p> <strong>Recreational Activities and Attractions</strong><br>There is much to see and do in <strong>Huntsville</strong>. Some of the many sites include the Historic Driving Tour, the Oakwood Walking Tour, the Art Tour, the Prison Driving Tour or a walking Tour through lovely Downtown Historic Huntsville. Downtown <strong>Huntsville</strong> makes shopping fun with over 40 retail shops and restaurants and over 20 historic sites combining shopping, history and entertainment. </p><p>For the architectural buffs, <strong>Huntsville</strong> has the Gibbs-Powell Home<strong>. </strong>This was built by Thomas Gibbs, one of Huntsville's earliest businessmen. The home is a noted Texas Archaeological Landmark. The home is one of the last classical "Greek Revival" structures in history.</p><p>There are many sports and activities that <strong>Huntsville</strong>has to offer as well. For the golf enthusiasts, there a number of golf courses Waterwood Golf Course, located on Lake Livingston. We also have Huntsville State Park<strong>, </strong>a 2000 - acre recreational area that complements several city parks. The park borders the Sam Houston National Forest woods, home of the 105-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. Huntsville State Park is a great for camping, hiking, biking, nature viewing and even offers fishing around scenic Lake Raven. You can also go scuba diving at the Blue Lagoon, where strategically submerged boats, planes and platforms make for a fun diving experience. </p><p><strong><a href="http://http//www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T@S/2006/fastestgrowing.html" target="_blank">Sam Houston University</a> - THE FASTEST GROWING UNIVERSITY IN TEXAS.</strong></p><strong>Cities Near Sam Houston Memorial Museum </strong><strong><p><strong>Nearby Points of Interest <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/2/8/7/ar120354274578227.jpg" vspace="7" border="1" height="214" hspace="7" align="right" width="300"></strong></p>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7811" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 0.1 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Sam Houston State University</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7813" title="Located in huntsville, TX, 0.5 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Texas Prison Museum</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7806" title="Located in huntsville, TX, 0.6 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Gibbs-Powell Home Museum</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7814" title="Located in huntsville, TX, 0.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Us Army Reserve</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7812" title="Located in huntsville, TX, 0.8 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Samuel Walker Houston Ctr</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7807" title="Located in huntsville, TX, 1.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Hearts Veterans Museum</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=7808" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 10.2 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Huntsville Memorial Hospital</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=18313" title="Located in conroe, TX, 27.6 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Heritage Museum of Montgomery</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=18312" title="Located in Conroe, TX, 28.8 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Healthsouth Surgery Center-Conroe</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=18311" title="Located in conroe, TX, 30.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Conroe Medical Center</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/points-of-interest.asp?poi=33651" title="Located in Livingston, TX, 36.6 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Polk County Memorial Museum</a> </li>
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<p> <a href="http://www.trails.com/all-hotels/city-hotel.asp?dest=TX+Huntsville" title="0.4 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum.">Huntsville Hotels</a> </p>
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<p><strong>Adventures Near Sam Houston Memorial Museum</strong></p>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS519-044" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 6.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Huntsville State Park opened in 1938, which makes it one of the oldest parks in Texas. The Civilian Conserva ">Huntsville State Park Trail</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA044-069" title="Located in Cleveland, TX, 6.9 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The 158,411-acre Sam Houston National Forest, about 50 miles north of Houston, offers ready access to numerou ">Sam Houston National Forest and Huntsville State Park</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGS133-050" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 6.9 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. A fun, fast course for riders of all levels, Huntsville is an East Texas biker's playground. This place is l ">Huntsville State Park</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS131-065" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 7.5 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. About 7 miles south of Huntsville. A moderately easy day hike through the woods surrounding Lake Raven. Sp ">Huntsville</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS131-063" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 19.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. About 35 miles NW of Conroe. A moderate day hike along the Lone Star Trail into the Little Lake Creek Wild ">Little Lake Creek Wilderness</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGS083-037" title="Located in Coldspring, TX, 27.1 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The town of Coldspring, near the south shore of Lake Livingston, is the seat of thickly wooded San Jacinto ">Two Coldspring Rambles</a> <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/0/8/7/ar120354539078003.jpg" vspace="7" border="1" height="214" hspace="7" align="right" width="300">
</li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGS133-049" title="Located in Coldspring, TX, 27.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. An extremely fun, fairly easy, mountain bike-only trail that meanders around the outskirts of the recreatio ">Double Lake Trail</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGS082-040" title="Located in Cleveland, TX, 27.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. This is a fine trail, a fun place to ooze along or to ride hard. Your choice. You can bring your kids or you ">Double Lake Park Mountain Bike Trail</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XGP105-NW01" title="Located in Conroe, TX, 28.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. First up is the farming community of Tomball, named for early-twentieth-century congressman Thomas H. Ball. On ">Tomball, Montgomery, Conroe, The Woodlands, and Spring</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA128-026" title="Located in Anderson, TX, 30.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. A 43-mile paved route from the eastern edge of the blackland prairie through the thick pine forests of the Sa ">Sam Houston National Forest: Anderson to Huntsville State Park</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS131-064" title="Located in Huntsville, TX, 30.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. About 65 miles north of Houston. An easy to moderate day hike through the woods along Big Creek. Special ">Big Creek</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA059-002" title="Located in Cleveland, TX, 30.8 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. For a chance to see many of the typical birds of the eastern Texas Piney Woods/Big Thicket region, you could ">Big Creek Scenic Area and Sam Houston National Forest</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS131-068" title="Located in Houston, TX, 31.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. About 5 miles SW of Livingston. An easy day hike through the woods of Lake Livingston State Park. Special At ">Lake Livingston</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA044-070" title="Located in Livingston, TX, 31.7 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The 635-acre state park is primarily a recreation area used by Houston residents and local communities. Th ">Lake Livingston State Park</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS519-048" title="Located in Cleveland, TX, 32 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The Lone Star Hiking Trail runs 128 miles through the Sam Houston National Forest, from Lake Conroe to near Cl ">Sam Houston National Forest, Lone Star Hiking Trail</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS519-042" title="Located in Livingston, TX, 32.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Lake Livingston is an 84,800-acre reservoir on the Trinity River, popular for fishing and boating. The park ">Lake Livingston State Park Trail</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA059-003" title="Located in Conroe, TX, 34.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The 1,745-acre Jones State Forest has long been known as one of the easiest sites in Texas at which to find the ">W. Goodrich Jones State Forest</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFA044-072" title="Located in Conroe, TX, 34.3 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. This 1,725-acre state forest was named for W. Goodrich Jones, the ">W. G. Jones State Forest</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XGP105-NE01" title="Located in Cleveland, TX, 38.2 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Humble's Main Street is now a stroll through struggling small-town Americana, but things are looking up. Fr ">Humble, Cleveland, and Coldspring</a> </li>
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<a href="http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XGP105-NW05" title="Located in Navasota, TX, 39.1 miles from Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The charming village of Chappell Hill may seem like the Brigadoon of Texas, so true is it to its time. Settl ">Chappell Hill, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Navasota, and Anderson</a> </li>
</ul>
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</li></ul><p><a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=27165" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/1/5/6/ar120381748565117.gif" vspace="7" height="65" hspace="7" align="right" width="185"></a></p><p> </p><p>and Proud of it! Deb For more Huntsville, TX property information simply click:</p><p> <a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com">www.brooksprimeproperties.com</a></p><p> </p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:11:48 -0800http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/387633/what-s-hot-about-our-spot---huntsville-texas-real-estate---
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2427623/life-is-a-journey--not-a-destination---Life is a Journey, Not a Destination...<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">During the course of this economic turn down we all have to minimize the potential damage to our businesses and to our personal financial conditions.</span><img title="will the bubble burst in Texas?" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/8/1/3/ar13119782431811.jpg" height="232" alt="will the bubble burst in Texas?" width="350" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"> Until about a year ago, I never believed that this bubble could actually burst. Now, don't get me wrong...it hasn't totally but it is threatening to. Since my husband and I work TOGETHER in our Real Estate business and Agency, we are finding less and less to do! The leads are coming in yet the bulk of the quality of leads are shaky at best. People are still wanting to purchase a home or to sell a home but practically everyone either does not meet the new Lending Standards, or they want more money for their homes than the Market will bring. <br> <br style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Personally, all I want to do is to sell homes and write a blog or two thousand.</span> I seem to be accomplishing the latter. <br> <br> What am I learning from this difficult time? <br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">This is just Random Stuff. My Random Ramblings...<img title="Deb's Rambling Thoughts" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/4/1/9/ar131197832691438.JPG" height="325" alt="Deb's Rambling Thoughts" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"></span><br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Murphy and his law are always going to be cropping their little heads up</span>. We should let Murphy roll off our shoulders with grace and wisdom. Maybe we have all been made too comfy in the past and this is the way our universe is correcting a few of our faux pas? If money made people happy then we would have no unhappy wealthy folks. Man was blessed with the ability to be creative and maybe it's the time to get that way once and for all. During a time of abundance it is much easier to justify waste and overspending and needless purchases and such. This all could be a part of our learning curve. <br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">At one point</span>, there was no question in my mind where I was going and who I was becoming and where I wanted to end up. Today I am being bombarded with more and more questions. These are mostly questions without answers. No longer do I feel the security of yesterday. It's all a bit scary. Maybe this is just a realization of becoming older and learning to appreciate things and people in a different and more enriching way? Maybe it is meant for us to continue a cycle of renewing our Faith and Understanding of the universe? Maybe, it is meant for all of us to awaken to the goodness of the good. You know, the smaller things in life that end up mattering at the end of the day. <img title="end of the day kiss..." src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/3/5/8/ar131197851985396.JPG" height="325" alt="end of the day kiss..." width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;"><br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">One thing I know is that I will always continue to help people realize their dreams in owning their own homes! Real Estate is a part of me and I know it and love it.</span> <br> <br> At this very moment, I have no clue where my life will take me. What road will I choose? What path leads me in the right direction? </big></big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big><big>My destination will be wherever I end up. Simple as that. My journey? I am willing and excited to see where it takes me. <br> <br> Because Life is a Journey, Not a Destination...try to enjoy each and every day, moment and breath you take! <br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Go with the flow and make the best of what life brings. What is your Journey bringing you? Any revelations? Life is good!!!</span><br> <br> <br> </big></big></big></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:33:09 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2427623/life-is-a-journey--not-a-destination---
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/3392048/the-power-of-words-for-the-professional---The Power of Words for the Professional...<p> </p>
<p><img title="What did you say?" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/1/3/4/ar134362427043198.jpg" height="325" alt="What did you say?" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: left;"><big><span style="font-size: large;">We all know that words spoken, inflection of voice and timing all have a great deal to do with our POWER OF COMMUNICATION. </span></big></p>
<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">What one person hears may come across as totally different from another person that hears the same thing. Remember the old game where we would sit in a circle and whisper a line in the next person's ear? The beginning line could be as simple as:</span></big></p>
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<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">John and Mary laughed together at the dinner table.<br><br> And, then by the time that line gets to the final person they have to announce what the line was. To the final person the line was...<br><br> John and Mary flirted after dinner. <br><br> So, okay they are close but not dead ringers! How we would laugh at that game as a child! <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today though, each and every spoken word to our clients must be clear and meticulous</span>. The POWER OF WORDS have the ability to change a persons perspective completely. In our business today, whether it is selling a home, helping a client to purchase a home, announcing the details of an inspection of a home or just showing a home...THE POWER OF WORDS can make or break your client's decision and their future. <br><br> The phsycology of words is a bit complicated but easy to learn!<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You see,</span> I just told you that it's complicated which may make you not want to learn or understand and then <span style="text-decoration: underline;">TOTALLY NEGATED</span> the statement with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT</span>. That little conjunction is a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> powerful word</span>. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Within a sentence the word BUT completely negates what was just said...</span><br><br> It would be like saying, "I love you .<span style="font-weight: bold;">..but..</span>." which places a different term or a contingency on the first statement. <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">How and what does this have to do with Real Estate?Everything, my friends!</span> "I love you "but"...well, not really <span style="font-weight: bold;">because this and that could be better</span>. My friends, either you love or you don't. Simple as that.<img title="Power of Communication" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/8/8/4/ar134362442348803.jpg" height="325" alt="Power of Communication" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: right;"><br><br><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">No "Buts" about it. </span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">This home IS exactly what you want...BUT...it isn't on the cul-de-sac.</span> Bad, bad bad...Try this one. This home is exactly what you want! It is at the end of the street which is just as good as being on the cul-de-sac! <span style="font-weight: bold;">(then heads are nodding and you are that much closer to the sale!)</span> </span></big></p>
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<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">How do you ask for the sale? Your clients are very insecure most likely and you have to keep that in mind. Do you say, "are you ready to fill out the contract?"...or do you have the savvy to say, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>"let's get your new home secured".</strong></span> See the difference? First of all your clients are insecure with a combination of "wanting" and "being afraid they may not get" the home they are bidding for. For you to say to your client that you are helping "secure" their home, you are also "securing" the client with hope, belief and trust...<br><br> More examples: "Would you like to view the house?" <br> No, "Would you like to view what could be your new home?"<br><br> Ready to go house shopping?<br> No, "Are you ready to fall in love with your new home?" <br><br> Wow! That's a pretty dress! ("so what? she says...there was a full rack of them")<br></span></big></p>
<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">No, Try, "Wow, you look great in that dress..." <br><big><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">This gives the credit to the person you are complementing and not just the dress...all of life works this way.</span></big><br><br><br><br></span><big><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, take those POWER WORDS and make things happen! You and I both know WE CAN.<br><br> Later in the Rain,<br> Deb Alayne!<br></span></span></big></big><small><br></small> <big style="color: #663300;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></big></big></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:10:09 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/3392048/the-power-of-words-for-the-professional---
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2370356/what-was-your-first-job--what-are-they-thinking--the-fair-labor-standards-act-What Was Your First Job? What Are They Thinking? The Fair Labor Standards Act.<p><big style="color: #772777;">I know this has nothing to do with <strong>Lake Conroe Real Estate</strong> but I have to slide it in here! <br><br><big></big></big><img title="Debs huntsville Texas job at Sonic" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/1/4/7/ar130905689774191.jpg" height="229" alt="Debs huntsville Texas job at Sonic" width="307" style="float: left; margin: 10px;"><big style="color: #772777;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">What was your first job? I mean really your first?</span></big> Not the baby sitting kind or the one that allowed you to stand in the concession stand for money or candy but your real life, get paid by the hour job? </big></p>
<p><big style="color: #772777;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">And, how old were you?</span></big> How did you get to your job? I ask these questions for a very deep reason. Our children today do not even LEGALLY get to learn about a job or responsibility till the age of 16 or older.</big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #772777;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Now, if I had waited till the age of 16, had a home full of electronics like Wii, flat screen TV's, computers, cell phones and text, I may have never learned what a JOB was all about!!</span> And, that's exactly what I am worried about for our youth of today. <br><br><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Life was so much different in my childhood.</span></big> By the time I was the age of 9, I was babysitting for the people in our neighborhood. The family I remember had three <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">banshees</span> children that were absolutely unruly and worried me half to death.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I caught them walking on the piano keys, trying to swing from the living room chandelier and attempting to get the dog to eat soap!</span> I would say goodbye to the parents, go in and wait for the kids to finish their dinners, do the dishes, and often times hide in the bathroom with the dog for as long as possible as the children seemed to be the spawns of some evil entity. I would attempt to govern them into their pj's, read a book with them jumping on the beds till they nearly broke down and finally closed their doors to keep from having to hear their screaming! Mommy and Daddy would get home finally, praise me for what I had done, pay me and I would walk on home. <big><span style="font-weight: bold;">While counting my .75 cents...three hours at .25 cents an hour, I wondered to myself if life would always be THIS WAY!</span></big> It was surely tough to make enough money to buy a movie ticket, some popcorn and a few pieces of candy! </big><img title="Sonic, Huntsville Texas Deb Brooks first job" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/8/6/3/ar130905641836877.JPG" height="325" alt="Sonic, Huntsville Texas Deb Brooks first job" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"><br><big style="color: #772777;"> <br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I knew there had to be something better</span>! By the way, that did not count as a job. I mean a real job. Where you answer to a boss, have to be there at a strict time and handle their money and represent their company. Not watching their <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">banshees</span> kids. And, I use to handle the concession stand at Edinburgh, Indiana Park for my dad. He ran the park during the summer when he wasn't teaching and I got to sell candy and sodas during that time earning the choice of a candy bar and a Cream Soda. I loved that!<br><br><big></big></big><img title="Debs huntsville Texas job at Sonic" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/7/3/0/ar13090576803741.jpg" height="99" alt="Debs huntsville Texas job at Sonic" width="200" style="float: left; margin: 10px;"></p>
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<p><big style="color: #772777;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">My first REAL job was in <a href="http://www.shsu.edu/" title="Sam Houston State University and Deb Brooks, Brooks Prime Properties, LLC" target="_blank">Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University</a> (back then still a college), as my mom could not afford my Cheerleading Fees</span></big>. My mother was an Associate Teacher and could not afford any extras. Yes, I wanted to be a Cheerleader and was voted in by the Student Body of Huntsville High School!<a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/home.jsp" title="Debs Sonic Huntsville Tx" target="_blank"> </a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/301/1274923/restaurant/Texas/Sonic-Drive-in-Huntsville#" title="Sonic Drive Inn, Huntsville Texas" target="_self">SONIC DRIVE INN, HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS</a><a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/home.jsp" title="Debs Sonic Huntsville Tx" target="_blank"> </a>was my first REAL job</span>. It is still there and I am taking my Grandchildren there on a regular basis. Mom and I had really moved up in the world and had an Apartment down the road instead of the College Housing that is now just a memory. I would ride the bus home, change clothes, walk down the road and go to work. </big><img title="My Money Tree Debs First Job, Sonic" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/1/6/5/ar130905678456125.JPG" height="325" alt="My Money Tree Debs First Job, Sonic" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;"><br><big style="color: #772777;"> <br><big style="font-weight: bold;">I was barely 13 years old.</big> I took pride in my position with Sonic! I showed up on time in my uniform, gathered my tray and change and got busy! <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Oh, I forgot to mention the Roller Skates...yes</span>. I had to wear the skates to deliver the food which has barely changed I might add! The entire year I worked there I had only one mishap. My best girlfriend's brother showed up and placed an order. I had such a crush on this guy I couldn't stop shaking. When I rolled out to deliver his food I just kept Rolling!<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I managed to dump the entire tray of food right on Danny's lap...oops? </span>Because he knew me so well he didn't complain so I got off easy. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He gave me a .25 cent tip for that tray! </span><br><br><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">I had gone into the big time.</span></big><strong> A tip of almost <span style="text-decoration: underline;">.25 cents per car instead of per hour</span>.</strong> I learned I was able to provide what I needed for school and at the same time have enough left to have a life. <span style="font-weight: bold;">At age 13 I learned the trick to a happy and prosperous life</span>. I learned <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">WORK ETHICS. </span>I was able to purchase all my Cheerleading necessities and I loved work. It fulfilled me with more than I could ever explain. My mother, God Bless her, was <span style="font-weight: bold;">one of the first women to graduate Magna Cuma Laud from Texas A&amp;M University </span>and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> became a full Professor at Huntsville's own, Sam Houston State University</span>. I will always be proud of her accomplishments. <span style="font-weight: bold;">See what two girls can accomplish together?</span><br><br><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">How many of you are finding that your 30+ year old children are returning home?</span></big> How long are we waiting to teach our children strong work ethics? How are we teaching our children that they have the ability to take care of themselves? <br><big><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tell me about your first job</span></big>. Then tell me about your children and are they working? <big><span style="font-weight: bold;">We need to change the laws our government has placed upon our children and our choice to teach them how the world works.</span></big> This is our government's idea of when to begin to teach our children the true laws of our world. If you were not born with a silver spoon in your mouth...go to work!<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Minimum Age for Non-hazardous Work by the Fair Labor Standards Act:</span><br style="text-decoration: underline;"><br style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In jobs that are not considered particularly hazardous, the FLSA sets the normal minimum age for employment in <span style="font-weight: bold;">agriculture</span> at 14 years, whereas<span style="font-weight: bold;"> in every other industry the normal minimum age is 16 years. </span></span><br style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;"><br><big style="font-weight: bold;">What are they thinking?</big><br><br><br><br></big></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:32:29 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2370356/what-was-your-first-job--what-are-they-thinking--the-fair-labor-standards-act-
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1272792/house-hunters-the-show--good-for-us-to-watch--big-mistake----House Hunters the show. Good for us to watch? BIG MISTAKE....<p>Hi. I just caught a few minutes of the show <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"House Hunters".</span></strong>Hummmm....I feel it is a great example of the way we show homes, (to a degree), but I just quickly heard a<strong> major faux pas</strong>!!!</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Like a major mistake....know what I mean?</span></em></strong> <a title="Click to zoom out." id="zoomedLink" href="http://"><img src="http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k95/Low-Ki/DeMOTIVATION/MistakesII.jpg?t=1254882932" id="fullImage" height="375" alt="MistakesII.jpg Regrets image by Low-Ki" width="300" style="margin: 30px 20px; float: left;"></a></p>
<p>This is a mistake that is "DRUMMED INTO OUR BEING AND ETHICS"....BUT, SHE SAID IT............YEP,</p>
<p>SHE SAID IT....</p>
<p>Now, if you are a Non-Realtor, this may mean nothing to you but if you are licensed....WATCH OUT!</p>
<p>It is a simple term AND THE TERM IS......</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> IT'S BRAND NEW!" </span> (choke, choke, hyperventilate, shake and seizure....)</em></strong></p>
<p>Does anyone here freak out the way I do? Do you see <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"LAW SUIT"</span></strong> written all over this? I do.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">I will let you tell us all why? </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surely, some Realtors out there know. GET MAD. IF WE WERE TO SAY THAT WE COULD BE INSTANTLY SUED.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> DO YOU KNOW WHY?</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> TELL US.</span></strong></p>
<p>Now, the show, <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Property Virgins?"</span></strong></p>
<p>Seems like they are <strong>"DUAL REPRESENTATIVES"...</strong>and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">what do you think ABOUT THAT?</span></p>
<p>MORE LATER.</p>
<p>Later in the rain~Deb</p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:43:30 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1272792/house-hunters-the-show--good-for-us-to-watch--big-mistake----
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1283749/how--not--to-sell-real-estate--How "NOT" to sell Real Estate~ <p>It's been a long and hot summer. I am pleased with the production and the happy homeowners I have placed and moved. Although, I do remember <strong>one day's showings in particular</strong> though and now have to <strong>"giggle"</strong> just a bit.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">With a shrug and a sigh and an "oh, well...I'll try again" attitude.</span></p>
<p>Lake Livingston is a huge MARKET area. My lake is 88.000 surface acres of water in 4 (four) counties. It's big. Like Texas....it's big. Huge that is. An average showing will log over 100 miles with no problem.</p>
<p>Even though I am a seasoned Realtor and have driven many a road here....I still get a bit lost at times. Maybe it's my lack of sense of direction or....the sheer magnitude of acreage I am traveling....hmmm..</p>
<p>I would like to think the latter.</p>
<p><strong>PICTURE THIS</strong>...LOL. <strong>103 DEGREE TEXAS DAY ON BLACK PAVEMENT</strong></p>
<p>So, we're driving a back road to the lake and I missed the turn-off. My clients were following me with their children and we were on house number five already. So, to make it easier I did a u~ie in the middle of the deserted road. It looked easy enough but then..........</p>
<p><strong>BAM</strong></p>
<p>My little car dropped completely off the pavement into a ravine that I didn't see....</p>
<p>Client, <strong>"well, Deb, you seem to have chosen the one and only place on the road that had a drop-off."</strong> We immediately began to work on getting my car unstuck (if there is a word like that) and we all failed miserably.<img title="deb brooks and her house showings" src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii224/dabydoll/th_bbcarcliff.jpg" id="thumb_img_0" alt="bbcarcliff.jpg image by dabydoll" width="250" style="margin: 7px; float: left;"></p>
<p>We tried adding weight to the front for traction...<strong>nope.</strong></p>
<p>We tried placing rocks and sticks and debris under the tires for traction...<strong>nope.</strong></p>
<p>We tried neutral with everyone pushing...<strong>nope.</strong></p>
<p>We tried readjusting the tire direction to gain traction...<strong>nope.</strong></p>
<p>I was then calling my roadside service. I said, "<strong>could you hurry?"</strong> and they said, <strong>..."NOPE."</strong></p>
<p>As it turned out, all of the local tow trucks were assisting an accident. The closest truck that could come was 85 miles away. That's the one they sent.</p>
<p><strong>FINALLY...TWO HOURS LATER.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Unfortunately I was teetering on total destruction AND BLOCKING THE ROAD FOR NORMAL TRAFFIC (which wasn't too much thank heavens) but the disgusting shaking of heads that were looking at me will forever be in my memory bank. Ish.</p>
<p>My lovely clients hung with me till the end. We saw one more house. I managed to get them to leave earnest money and an option check for this house before we parted ways and agreed to wrap it all up by fax.....................</p>
<p><strong>KICKER...</strong></p>
<p>I never heard from them again.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nope.</span></strong> Not ever. I still have the checks to remind me <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How "NOT" to sell Real Estate~</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>It was <span style="text-decoration: underline;">still</span> a good year! lol. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Later in the rain~Deb</strong></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:33:38 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1283749/how--not--to-sell-real-estate--
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1115049/reflection-and-real-estate-who-we-are-in-black-and-whiteReflection and Real Estate~Who We Are in Black and White<p><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii224/dabydoll/mirror_reflection_v_sm.jpg?t=1245018998" id="fullSizedImage" height="500" alt="mirror_reflection_v_sm.jpg picture by dabydoll" width="375" style="float: left; margin: 7px;"></p>
<p><em>
<p>I was reflecting on past comments from my favorite people on Active Rain. I came across this one and decided to re-post. In the last year we have lost several of our favorite Rainers. Reflecting on their memories gives me joy.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Have you ever thought about just how powerful the word REFLECTION is?</span></strong></p>
</em></p>
<p><em>"I do wish I could have done many things differently but at least today is the day I can <strong>REFLECT</strong> <strong>ON</strong> in the future...."...Deb</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">We can look into a mirror and see exactly how the world sees us. But, there's so much more to the word...</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>The root of the word is <strong>REFLECT.</strong> Now, this means more than to just "mirror". </em></p>
<p><em>An action of ours can <strong>REFLECT </strong>the nature of our personalities. And, can become a REFLECTION of who we are.</em></p>
<p><em>We can <strong>REFLECT </strong>on the past and bring forward the memories. We are but a reflection of our pasts.</em></p>
<p><em>To be someone we use to be we use the term, "I am a mere <strong>REFLECTION</strong> of the person I use to be".</em></p>
<p><em>We decorate our homes, drive a car, and dress in a way that <strong>REFLECTS</strong> our personalities.</em></p>
<p><em>We also run our businesses in a way that <strong>REFLECTS </strong>directly upon us. </em></p>
<p><em>Our clients/customers will become a <strong>REFLECTION</strong> of our service. </em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Their opinions of us shall directly REFLECT upon us. Our Real Estate business and personal business is branded.</span></strong></em></p>
<p><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/nanna_banana_318/footprints.jpg" id="fullSizedImage" height="243" alt="footprints.jpg footprints no edit image by nanna_banana_318" width="324" style="float: right; margin: 7px;"></p>
<p>If we are going to leave our footprints in this life, we should remember how they will <strong>REFLECT</strong> on us.</p>
<p>To <strong>REFLECT</strong> can mean to bring back memories. Whether or not they are good memories or not so good....we <strong>REFLECT.</strong></p>
<p>Our <strong>REFLECTION</strong> in the mirror is pretty stark.</p>
<p><strong>It is what we look like</strong> and <strong>not who we are!</strong></p>
<p>When standing and looking at yourself in the mirror, next time <strong>look deeper.</strong></p>
<p>Are you pleased with what you <strong>REFLECT</strong>?</p>
<p>Your attitude towards your business and the people you work with will <strong>REFLECT</strong> how you are doing...what you believe and who you are.</p>
<p>Reflect a positive attitude, hope, honesty, sincerity, empathy, humor and all the good you can muster each day. So, when you REFLECT on yesterday you can nod and smile.</p>
<p>Debra A Brooks, Lake Livingston Real Estate Specialist. 936-661-2624</p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:33:41 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1115049/reflection-and-real-estate-who-we-are-in-black-and-white
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1624439/don-t-look-back--the-irs-could-be-on-your-heels-Don't look back! The IRS could be on your heels.<p>So you gave up to Foreclosure? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The IRS may be on your heels!</strong></span><img title="IRS" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/5/7/7/ar127302987577537.jpg" height="396" alt="IRS" width="318" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"><br><br>If you are one of the thousands of homeowners that felt relief by allowing their homes to<br>become foreclosed on<strong> your relief may be short lived</strong>. Many of us became wrapped up in the<br>ability to use our homesteads as ATM machines and the banks were fine with it. Now, after the <br>money is spent and debt is rising you find that your home is not worth the amount you have<br>in it. Yikes! The job market has tightened and you may have even lost your livelyhood. <br><br>Or, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>you had a line of credit with the bank based on the equity in your home. </strong></span>You took a little<br>vacation, paid off a few bills, had a great December Holiday and "poof" your line of credit<br>was maxed out. Now you need to sell but can't get the amount owed on your property.<br><br>All this adds up to a potential foreclosure.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> Your bank may have accepted a lesser amount for <br>the sale of your home and may have FORGIVEN the balance of the note that was not paid. Yea!</strong></span><br>Thank you friendly bankers. You knew we were trying and you have forgiven us. <br><br>You can opt to allow foreclosure or may be forced into it due to lack of funds. When the<br>house is gone you may feel better but the relief could be short lived. <br><br>Don't look back! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The IRS may be following you to add to your debt...they will make you pay.</strong></span><br><br>If you sold your home at a loss of 25% on a $100,000.00 debt the IRS would consider the amount<br>of the difference owed as income. Yes, Income.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The congress passed a bill in 2007 to <br>include forgiven debt without tax to mortgage loans. </strong></span><br><br>That's the <strong>good news </strong>but <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>here's the kicker. </strong></span><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Let's hope you used your EQUITY LOAN wisely</strong></span>.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>This forgiveness only applys to the cash out that<br>went directly into the improvement of your property. </strong></span><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/1/3/7/ar127303090273195.gif" height="350" width="300" style="float: right; margin: 10px;"><br><br><strong>If you did go on a spending spree</strong> with vacations, cars, boats, or anything that did not <br>physically improve the property Uncle Sam will be at your doorstep. <br><br>You will have to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pay the IRS</strong></span> on the borrowed money as if it were income.<br><br>If you took a home equity line of credit<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> let's hope you bought carpet and countertops.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Any purchase other than a home related purchase will be taxed as income. </strong></span><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>If you lost a property other than your homestead</strong></span> such as an investment property or vacation<br>or getaway property you will be paying too. Your only loophole here is if you can prove that <br>you lived in the said property for a minimum of two years.<br><br>Anyway, thanks for the forgiveness to the homeowners that actually <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>TRIED</strong></span> to improve their homes.<br>Total forgiveness is a blessing...<br><br>but...<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">even that forgiveness is due to change in 2012. </span></strong><br><br>When you ask, "gee, can it get any worse?" Thank you Stu!<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The answer is YEP!</strong></em></span></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Tue, 04 May 2010 23:38:14 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1624439/don-t-look-back--the-irs-could-be-on-your-heels-
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2508208/my-home-town--huntsville-texasMy Home Town, Huntsville Texas<p>What do you get when you combine a quaint little town amongst hills, tall trees, tailored streets and an Active square? Then you mix in a little...<strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">okay, a lot of History</span></em></strong>, President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas, a few prisons, massive expanse of State Owned land with grazing horses, cattle, crops and black and white striped workers herded by Prison Guards on horses? Then add up to 17,000 youth at any given time walking Sam Houston State Universities beautiful campus, winning football games, featuring Arts and Academics and is one of the fasted growing schools in Texas?</p>
<p>You get the one and only...</p>
<p> <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/3/6/2/ar120751600826338.jpg" border="0" height="102" width="700"></p>
<div>The city began about 1836, when Pleasant and Ephraim Gray opened a trading post on the site. Our land was hilly virgin land with wildlife, tall pines and natural streams galore! Ephraim Gray became first postmaster in 1837, naming it after his former home town, Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama. (Ironically, "Madison County" is also the name of an adjacent Texas County.)</div>
<div>Huntsville became the home of Sam Houston, who served as President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the State of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman. General Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto into the victory of the Texas Revolution. Houston has been noted for his life among the Cherokees of Tennessee, and - near the end of his life - for his opposition to the American Civil War, a position which was a very unpopular in his day.
<div>
<br>
<div>Huntsville Texas feels like its History! Walking the square you will stop and read markers talking about how Sam Houston and his friends would sit and play checkers or whittle the day away while watching the comings and goings of the townspeople. Sam Houston State University shares the same area (across the street) from Houston's original homestead. The Sam Houston Museum is built next to his Homestead's and provides a day of History, fun and great sight seeing. </div>
<div>
<p>Huntsville was also the home of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Walker_Houston" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Samuel Walker Houston</span></a>(1864-1945), a prominent African-American pioneer in the field of education. He was born into slavery on February 12, 1864, to Joshua Houston, a slave owned by Sam Houston. Samuel W. Houston founded the Galilee Community School in 1907, which later became known as the Houstonian Normal and Industrial Institute, in <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/387633/What-s-HOT-about" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Walker County, Texas</span></a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/7/5/7/ar120751907275739.jpg" height="280" width="400">In 1995, on the grounds of the old Samuel W. Houston Elementary School, the <a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com/template21/nextpage.asp?mnu=68852" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Huntsville Independent School District</span></a>.</p>
<p>Along with the Huntsville Arts Commission and the high school's Ex-Students Association, commissioned the creation of The Dreamers, a monument to underscore the contributions made by the black community in the growth and development of Huntsville and Walker County.</p>
<p>This is one of the most impressive pieces I have ever seen.</p>
</div>
<div>The detail is gorgeous and worth seeing. Huntsville is filled with artistic pieces from many very talented artists.</div>
<div>The faces are created to depict the progression of time, beginning with the youth at the bottom, middle aged at the middle and the elders at top.</div>
<div>Beautiful piece!</div>
<div>Mr. Dan Phillips is a well known "local" gentleman here in Huntsville. Dan is well known for his "unconventional, eclectic" designs of homes. Dan's philosophy is that each and every person in this world deserves a home. Dan actually puts his money where his mouth is too. He collects remnants, old boards, nails, broken glass, chipped concrete, cracked wood and any other "creative" piece of leftover building material and waves his magic hands. Up comes a home fit to be enjoyed by anyone at a cost of at least 1/2 the local average price. Dan gleans pleasure from teaching an Eco Friendly lesson to all that want a home. Dan Phillips is making his own history for our little town of Huntsville, Texas. Please watch this video and enjoy... </div>
<div>I was lucky enough to grow up in the small town of Huntsville Texas and I have many memories there. Our <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/4/2/3/ar120752033932428.jpg" height="216" alt="The Walls" width="288">Prison system has always been a seed for jokes...I tell everyone that I grew up on the outside. Ha-ha. I was going to share a story with you that is special to me and not something everyone would get to do!</div>
<div>Back in 19...uh, well, what the heck...1969, I was assigned a special "writing" report for English class. I had a boyfriend, and his father was on the Board of Directors of The Texas Prison System and he was in charge here in Huntsville.</div>
<div>Downtown Huntsville, is the Prison Unit called "The Walls" and it houses the worst of the worst criminals. Many of these prisoners are on death row.</div>
<div>Due to my connection I was allowed to interview a man that was serving life in prison right there at the walls. He was very old but full of colorful information!</div>
<div><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/2/8/4/ar120752085748282.jpg" height="197" width="241"></div>
<div>This man (I will call him George) was serving time consecutively with Clyde Barrow. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Clyde met, and fell in love with Bonnie just after being thrown into one of Huntsville's prison units. He was a part of the labor crew</div>
<div>digging out white rock from one of our quarries. </div>
<div>George knew Clyde personally and gave me incredible insights into his character and attitudes.</div>
<div>George told me a girlfriend was sending Clyde many a letter, love letters at times and angry letters at other times. Clyde was known to be a real Casanova.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Clyde shared a great deal of personal information with the general cell mates which later posed as bad news for Clyde.</div>
<div>He shared a bit too much and some of the details were later used against him in the locating of CW Moss, one of their right hand men.</div>
<div> <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/6/7/2/ar12075264227611.jpg" height="341" alt="Bonnie and Clyde" width="246">
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<div>Although Clyde grew up in a poor home, he never really acclimated to hard work. George told me about the day when they were on Quarry duty. The sun was hot, the men were weak and tired and Clyde took his shovel and chopped off a couple of his toes from his own foot.</div>
<div>George said that the day Clyde got back to his cell from his medical stay in the prison was the very day Clyde's news was delivered to his cell. Clyde had been officially released from TDC and would be going home. History tells us that was the beginning, and the end of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.</div>
<div>George said he believed the "higher ups" had planned it that way just to punish Clyde............................................could be.</div>
<div>div&gt;
<div>Please come visit Huntsville, Texas when you can. There is much beauty and history to be shared.</div>
<div>For more information contact me at</div>
<div><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com">www.brooksprimeproperties.com</a></div>
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:45:52 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2508208/my-home-town--huntsville-texas
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/457145/historic-downtown-huntsville-texas---HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE TEXAS...<p>What do you get when you combine a quaint little town amongst hills, tall trees, tailored streets and an Active square? Then you mix in a little...<strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">okay, a lot of History</span></em></strong>, President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas, a few prisons, massive expanse of State Owned land with grazing horses, cattle, crops and black and white striped workers herded by Prison Guards on horses? Then add up to 17,000 youth at any given time walking Sam Houston State Universities beautiful campus, winning football games, featuring Arts and Academics and is one of the fasted growing schools in Texas?</p>
<p>You get the one and only...</p>
<p> <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/3/6/2/ar120751600826338.jpg" border="0" height="102" width="700"></p>
<div>The city began about 1836, when Pleasant and Ephraim Gray opened a trading post on the site. Our land was hilly virgin land with wildlife, tall pines and natural streams galore! Ephraim Gray became first postmaster in 1837, naming it after his former home town, Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama. (Ironically, "Madison County" is also the name of an adjacent Texas County.)</div>
<div>Huntsville became the home of Sam Houston, who served as President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the State of Texas, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman. General Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto into the victory of the Texas Revolution. Houston has been noted for his life among the Cherokees of Tennessee, and - near the end of his life - for his opposition to the American Civil War, a position which was a very unpopular in his day.
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<div>Huntsville Texas feels like its History! Walking the square you will stop and read markers talking about how Sam Houston and his friends would sit and play checkers or whittle the day away while watching the comings and goings of the townspeople. Sam Houston State University shares the same area (across the street) from Houston's original homestead. The Sam Houston Museum is built next to his Homestead's and provides a day of History, fun and great sight seeing. </div>
<div>
<p>Huntsville was also the home of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Walker_Houston" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Samuel Walker Houston</span></a>(1864-1945), a prominent African-American pioneer in the field of education. He was born into slavery on February 12, 1864, to Joshua Houston, a slave owned by Sam Houston. Samuel W. Houston founded the Galilee Community School in 1907, which later became known as the Houstonian Normal and Industrial Institute, in <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/387633/What-s-HOT-about" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Walker County, Texas</span></a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/7/5/7/ar120751907275739.jpg" height="280" width="400">In 1995, on the grounds of the old Samuel W. Houston Elementary School, the <a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com/template21/nextpage.asp?mnu=68852" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Huntsville Independent School District</span></a>.</p>
<p>Along with the Huntsville Arts Commission and the high school's Ex-Students Association, commissioned the creation of The Dreamers, a monument to underscore the contributions made by the black community in the growth and development of Huntsville and Walker County.</p>
<p>This is one of the most impressive pieces I have ever seen.</p>
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<div>The detail is gorgeous and worth seeing. Huntsville is filled with artistic pieces from many very talented artists.</div>
<div>The faces are created to depict the progression of time, beginning with the youth at the bottom, middle aged at the middle and the elders at top.</div>
<div>Beautiful piece!</div>
<div>Mr. Dan Phillips is a well known "local" gentleman here in Huntsville. Dan is well known for his "unconventional, eclectic" designs of homes. Dan's philosophy is that each and every person in this world deserves a home. Dan actually puts his money where his mouth is too. He collects remnants, old boards, nails, broken glass, chipped concrete, cracked wood and any other "creative" piece of leftover building material and waves his magic hands. Up comes a home fit to be enjoyed by anyone at a cost of at least 1/2 the local average price. Dan gleans pleasure from teaching an Eco Friendly lesson to all that want a home. Dan Phillips is making his own history for our little town of Huntsville, Texas. Please watch this video and enjoy... </div>
<div>I was lucky enough to grow up in the small town of Huntsville Texas and I have many memories there. Our <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/4/2/3/ar120752033932428.jpg" height="216" alt="The Walls" width="288">Prison system has always been a seed for jokes...I tell everyone that I grew up on the outside. Ha-ha. I was going to share a story with you that is special to me and not something everyone would get to do!</div>
<div>Back in 19...uh, well, what the heck...1969, I was assigned a special "writing" report for English class. I had a boyfriend, and his father was on the Board of Directors of The Texas Prison System and he was in charge here in Huntsville.</div>
<div>Downtown Huntsville, is the Prison Unit called "The Walls" and it houses the worst of the worst criminals. Many of these prisoners are on death row.</div>
<div>Due to my connection I was allowed to interview a man that was serving life in prison right there at the walls. He was very old but full of colorful information!</div>
<div><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/2/8/4/ar120752085748282.jpg" height="197" width="241"></div>
<div>This man (I will call him George) was serving time consecutively with Clyde Barrow. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Clyde met, and fell in love with Bonnie just after being thrown into one of Huntsville's prison units. He was a part of the labor crew</div>
<div>digging out white rock from one of our quarries. </div>
<div>George knew Clyde personally and gave me incredible insights into his character and attitudes.</div>
<div>George told me a girlfriend was sending Clyde many a letter, love letters at times and angry letters at other times. Clyde was known to be a real Casanova.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Clyde shared a great deal of personal information with the general cell mates which later posed as bad news for Clyde.</div>
<div>He shared a bit too much and some of the details were later used against him in the locating of CW Moss, one of their right hand men.</div>
<div> <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/6/7/2/ar12075264227611.jpg" height="341" alt="Bonnie and Clyde" width="246">
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<div>Although Clyde grew up in a poor home, he never really acclimated to hard work. George told me about the day when they were on Quarry duty. The sun was hot, the men were weak and tired and Clyde took his shovel and chopped off a couple of his toes from his own foot.</div>
<div>George said that the day Clyde got back to his cell from his medical stay in the prison was the very day Clyde's news was delivered to his cell. Clyde had been officially released from TDC and would be going home. History tells us that was the beginning, and the end of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.</div>
<div>George said he believed the "higher ups" had planned it that way just to punish Clyde............................................could be.</div>
<div>div&gt;
<div>Please come visit Huntsville, Texas when you can. There is much beauty and history to be shared.</div>
<div>For more information contact me at</div>
<div><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com">www.brooksprimeproperties.com</a></div>
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:00:26 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/457145/historic-downtown-huntsville-texas---
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1730901/reflections-of-real-estate-in-black-and-whiteReflections of Real Estate in Black and White<p><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii224/dabydoll/mirror_reflection_v_sm.jpg?t=1245018998" id="fullSizedImage" height="500" alt="mirror_reflection_v_sm.jpg picture by dabydoll" width="375" style="float: left; margin: 7px;"></p>
<p><em>
<p>I was reflecting on past comments from my favorite people on Active Rain. I came across this one and decided to re-post. In the last year we have lost several of our favorite Rainers. Reflecting on their memories gives me joy.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Have you ever thought about just how powerful the word REFLECTION is?</span></strong></p>
</em></p>
<p><em>"I do wish I could have done many things differently but at least today is the day I can <strong>REFLECT</strong> <strong>ON</strong> in the future...."...Deb</em></p>
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<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">We can look into a mirror and see exactly how the world sees us. But, there's so much more to the word...</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>The root of the word is <strong>REFLECT.</strong> Now, this means more than to just "mirror". </em></p>
<p><em>An action of ours can <strong>REFLECT </strong>the nature of our personalities. And, can become a REFLECTION of who we are.</em></p>
<p><em>We can <strong>REFLECT </strong>on the past and bring forward the memories. We are but a reflection of our pasts.</em></p>
<p><em>To be someone we use to be we use the term, "I am a mere <strong>REFLECTION</strong> of the person I use to be".</em></p>
<p><em>We decorate our homes, drive a car, and dress in a way that <strong>REFLECTS</strong> our personalities.</em></p>
<p><em>We also run our businesses in a way that <strong>REFLECTS </strong>directly upon us. </em></p>
<p><em>Our clients/customers will become a <strong>REFLECTION</strong> of our service. </em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Their opinions of us shall directly REFLECT upon us. Our Real Estate business and personal business is branded.</span></strong></em></p>
<p><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/nanna_banana_318/footprints.jpg" id="fullSizedImage" height="243" alt="footprints.jpg footprints no edit image by nanna_banana_318" width="324" style="float: right; margin: 7px;"></p>
<p>If we are going to leave our footprints in this life, we should remember how they will <strong>REFLECT</strong> on us.</p>
<p>To <strong>REFLECT</strong> can mean to bring back memories. Whether or not they are good memories or not so good....we <strong>REFLECT.</strong></p>
<p>Our <strong>REFLECTION</strong> in the mirror is pretty stark.</p>
<p><strong>It is what we look like</strong> and <strong>not who we are!</strong></p>
<p>When standing and looking at yourself in the mirror, next time <strong>look deeper.</strong></p>
<p>Are you pleased with what you <strong>REFLECT</strong>?</p>
<p>Your attitude towards your business and the people you work with will <strong>REFLECT</strong> how you are doing...what you believe and who you are.</p>
<p>Reflect a positive attitude, hope, honesty, sincerity, empathy, humor and all the good you can muster each day. So, when you REFLECT on yesterday you can nod and smile.</p>
<p>Debra A Brooks, Lake Livingston, Lake Conroe Real Estate Specialist. 936-661-2624</p><div class="agent_signature">
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<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:05:15 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/1730901/reflections-of-real-estate-in-black-and-white
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2993241/is-it-a--safe--act--not-anymore--flippers-beware-Is it a "SAFE" act? Not anymore! Flippers Beware!<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">First, I must proclaim that I am NOT an Attorney and in no way am I attempting to give legal advice. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; text-decoration: underline;"> My question is, "how SAFE is it to owner finance in Texas?"</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <img title="Deb Brooks on Texas House Bill 10 Lake Conroe Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/9/8/0/ar13306406408969.JPG" height="225" alt="Deb Brooks on Texas House Bill 10 Lake Conroe Real Estate" width="225" style="margin: 10px; float: left;"></span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">I received a call from a friend yesterday and she was asking me about the potential of OWNER FINANCING her Texas home. She explained that a couple had viewed it and said their credit was not up to par and would the Seller consider holding the note.</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; text-decoration: underline;"> This answer was a no-brainer. It was a big fat "NO"</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">. Their home is still mortgaged which caused the obvious problem. ARMS LENGTH MORTGAGES ARE ILLEGAL IN TEXAS. In fact, if you go into a contract stating you will finance the home for them and you consider it a sale, it is my understanding that your note holder will call your note due and payable immediately!!! If you've sold the house they want their money! </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><big style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! HOUSE FLIPPERS BECOMING A DYING BREED...</big><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"></span> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">As Realtors, and Mortgage Pros and all of us that are involved with this business it seems we have to pay attention to LAWS OUTSIDE OF OUR PROFESSION to stay on top of things. Yes, yes, we all know this but with the changes being made every day it's tough to keep up.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <big style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Are you familiar with the 2010 "SAFE ACT" IN TEXAS HOUSE BILL 10?</span></big><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><small style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> “Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act”) <br> </small><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"></span> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">I was not familiar and came across it quite by accident. What an eye opener it is. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">The bill states that, Under the current code, owner-financiers must have a Residential Mortgage Loan Originator license from the Texas Savings and Mortgage Lending Department.<img title="Texas House Bill 10" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/4/9/5/ar133064055959496.JPG" height="325" alt="Texas House Bill 10" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: right;"><br> <br> </span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Once upon a time we were allowed up to 5 transactions a year...kind of like flipping cars. This restriction is just unimaginable! It seems to me that if the sales took place at a legal Title Company with legal paperwork, the government shouldn't be able to tell us what we can or cannot sell!!!!!! Come on now! They are now saying not even ONE owner finance per year with a few exceptions. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">EXCEPTIONS:</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">If you own the home free and clear and it is your homestead.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">If you sell to a family member.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Or, use a Third Party Mortgage Originator...there goes the profit!</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">AND IF YOU DO IT ANYWAY ARE THERE REPERCUSSIONS?</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Oh my, YES. If you are caught doing it anyway you are subject to a $25,000 fine, you may owe damages to the Buyer and well, isn't this all bad enough?</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">So, FLIPPERS BEWARE!</span><small style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <br> </span></small> <br style="color: #000099;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="agent_signature">
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:28:24 -0800http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2993241/is-it-a--safe--act--not-anymore--flippers-beware-
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2760762/take-charge-of-your-attitude-and-sell-more-real-estate-Take Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate!<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Take Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate!<img title="Sell more Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/9/6/0/ar132753326106975.JPG" height="325" alt="Sell more Real Estate" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;"></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>IMHO...</big></big></p>
<p style="text-decoration: underline; color: #df5900;"><big><big>Our attitudes, as well as our thoughts, actions and the love we choose to give are all <strong>CHOICES.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>If you want a better attitude....make better choices.</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Be grateful there is work to be done. Boredom kills and challenges keep you "thinking".</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Quit grumbling and count your blessings.</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">We all have them.</span></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Thank our Nation for giving us the<strong> right and the choice to vote.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Thank our customers for being loyal.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><big><big>Offer to help a friend, colleague, or client with <strong>no expectations</strong>.</big></big></span></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Remind your clients that you will be there for them <strong>when they need you</strong>.</big></big></p>
<div class="tagBoxInner" id="tagBoxInner_163570" style="color: #196400;">
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<p><big><big> </big></big><big><big><a title="Click to zoom out." id="zoomedLink"><br></a> </big></big></p>
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<p style="color: #df5900;"><big><big><big>Allow yourself only two kinds of days....<strong>good and great. It's your choice.</strong></big></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Your answer to, "how is business" should be <strong>"GREAT."</strong> (would you want to do business with a whiney, gripey, naysayer? Not me...</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Say, "thank you" with your heart.</strong> Even if you wish the outcome were different.</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Open</strong> your mind to alternative thinking...<strong>work the mind without judgement.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Be glad to be here and others will be glad to be around you!</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>My list could go on for days...Just remember that if you place your best attitude forward you will acquire business. You are the kind of person everyone WANTS to work with. </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #df5900;"><big><big><big><big>And, I'm talking to myself here too! </big></big></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Believe it. Live it.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #c68442;"><big><big> </big></big></p><div class="agent_signature">
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:18:35 -0800http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/2760762/take-charge-of-your-attitude-and-sell-more-real-estate-
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/732324/take-charge-of-your-attitude-and-sell-more-real-estate--imhoTake Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate! IMHO<p>Take Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate!</p>
<p>IMHO...</p>
<p>Our attitudes, as well as our thoughts, actions and the love we choose to give are all <strong>CHOICES.</strong></p>
<p>If you want a better attitude....make better choices.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Awake with a smile and a positive attitude and be glad to greet the day!</p>
<p><img src="http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq57/hrs212/sun.jpg" id="fullSizedImage" height="120" alt="sun.jpg sunshineee(: image by hrs212" width="134" style="float: right; margin: 7px;"></p>
<p><strong>Be grateful there is work to be done. Boredom kills.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Quit grumbling and count your blessings.</strong> We all have them.</p>
<p>Thank our Nation for giving us the<strong> right and the choice to vote.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thank our customers for being loyal.</strong></p>
<p>Offer to help a friend, colleague, or client with <strong>no expectations</strong>.</p>
<p>Remind your clients that you will be there for them <strong>when they need you</strong>.</p>
<div class="tagBoxInner" id="tagBoxInner_163570">
<div class="tagBoxInner" id="tagBoxInner_163570">
<p> </p>
<a title="Click to zoom out." id="zoomedLink"><img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n111/Rico-fitchez01/happy.jpg" id="fullImage" height="57" alt="happy.jpg Happy image by Rico-fitchez01" width="170" style="float: right; margin: 7px;"></a>
</div>
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<p>Allow yourself only two kinds of days....<strong>good and great. It's your choice.</strong></p>
<p>Your answer to, "how is business" should be <strong>"GREAT."</strong> (would you want to do business with a whiney, gripey, naysayer? Not me...</p>
<p><strong>Say, "thank you" with your heart.</strong> Even if you wish the outcome were different.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Open</strong> your mind to alternative thinking...<strong>work the mind without judgement.</strong></p>
<p>Be glad to be here and others will be glad to be around you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My list could go on for days...Just remember that if you place your best attitude forward you will acquire business. You are the kind of person everyone WANTS to work with. <a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=27165" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/4/1/9/ar122359442891432.jpg" height="65" width="185" style="float: right; margin: 7px;"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Believe it. Live it.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Later in the rain~Deb</strong></p><div class="agent_signature">
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:24:59 -0700http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/732324/take-charge-of-your-attitude-and-sell-more-real-estate--imho
http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/375883/scam-artists---scam-artists---wolves-in-sheep-s-clothing-SCAM ARTISTS - SCAM ARTISTS - wolves in sheep's clothing.<p>SCAM ARTISTS - SCAM ARTISTS - wolves in sheep's clothing. While reading a post by Jason Crouch, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/375021/I-am-a-WYSIWYG">I am a WYSIWYG kind of guy who can't stand working with HTML clients.</a> I could see how so much of what he says is true. Jason tells us that HTML clients are those that are "<strong>Hard-To-Manage Liars</strong>" or "Hard-to-Manage Losers" or "Hard to Manage Lately". "You could also use any other word that you think will fit here." Quote by Jason.</p>
<p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/5/2/0/ar120279288002561.jpg" height="289" width="250"></p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Once upon a time two scam artists visited Huntsville, Texas</span></em></strong>.</p>
<p>They seemed like a sweet elderly couple that had a zest for life and the desire to live in a waterfront home. They were the type of people that made you feel <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"special"</span></strong> and you wanted to care for them as your elders. They had a dream. It was to live on Lake Livingston for their final years. She wanted to look out her kitchen window and watch her loving husband throw his line out for fishing each morning. He just wanted her to be happy looking at the water from her kitchen window. Get the picture?</p>
<p>I found their dream home on the water.</p>
<p>They signed all the paperwork with me and gave me a $2,000.00 earnest money check. I was joyful for them, the sellers, and me!!!</p>
<p>"We have a large sum of money being transferred to us from overseas that should be here in just a couple of days. Please wait to put the check in for us <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">honey</span></em></strong>, okay??"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is suppose to be a cash deal for a house of $250,000 but they couldn't do $2,000.00?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was concerned. I did visit with the Sellers about the offer and we came to a verbal agreement. Two days later we went as far as signing the offer. I still had no money.</p>
<p>My sweet elderly couple called me EVERY- DAY- BARRING- NONE with their reassurances that the money was on its way. They told me their word was golden. They begged me not to sell THEIR house and they would have the money any day! After about a week <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/2/5/8/ar120279300885251.jpg" height="100" width="100">of this I was still sitting on the paperwork and the check. I did not take the house off the market and it was actively showing. With each moment it was looking bleaker. With each moment I was feeling more uncomfortable with the entire situation.</p>
<p>The week became two, then three and then....I sold the house to someone else.</p>
<p> <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Don't worry that's not the punch line.</span></em></strong></p>
<p>The Funds are coming, The funds are coming!</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A previous acquaintance contacted me with shocking news.</span></em></strong> He desperately needed to sell his $500,000.00 waterfront home before the bank took it over. Come to find out, he and his wife and son had <strong><em>sold the house</em></strong> to an elderly couple...........yep.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">My couple</span></em></strong>.</p>
<p>Somehow, the couple managed to <strong>SCAM </strong>the agent and the Title Company into closing without funding!!!! Not the local Title Company I use, BTW. Can you believe that?? Can you??</p>
<p>My new client told me they were suppose to receive a win-fall from overseas and it <strong><em>just hadn't gotten there yet</em></strong>. The couple <strong>MOVED IN</strong> to his home and had all the utilities and services and even the tax rolls changed to their names. They managed to live there for seven months. They had bar-b-ques and got to know the neighbors.</p>
<p>Now, since my new client (the victim) had purchased yet another house for more than $500,000.00, he was unable to make both payments! The elderly couple were having the time of their lives in a beautiful home on the water!!!! Just like they wanted.</p>
<p><strong><em>Meanwhile, my client's financial life was being destroyed</em></strong>. It took months to get them out of the house. It took Lawyers. The Title Company and the Agent involved with the sale have lawsuits pending. What a mess.</p>
<p>I sold his house by the hair of my <strong><em>chinney chin chin</em></strong> before it hit total foreclosure. It helped my heart. He is still my client.</p>
<p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">I was suppose to be their next victim.</span></em></strong></p>
<p> <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You can never be too careful. Watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing.</span></em></strong></p>
<p> Isn't it strange to have the tables turned? Usually we have to watch the elderly to keep them safe! I'm just not use to the idea of having to watch out for them.</p>
<p><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/6/4/9/ar120279490894684.jpg" height="92" width="104"></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> and Proud of it! Deb</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div class="agent_signature">
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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</div>Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:34:45 -0800http://debslakeconroerealestate.com/post/375883/scam-artists---scam-artists---wolves-in-sheep-s-clothing-